bP: Hey Selim! Many collectors gravitate towards established names, but you've built a reputation for discovering emerging talent. What draws you to an artist's work at an early stage?
SB: I very honestly think it's a mix of curiosity to discover new talents and most importantly 'affordability'. When I started collecting, I very quickly understood the dynamics of the art market. It first comes across as intimidating and it is, but the more you spend time in it, the more you realise how siloed it is, and that everything becomes a 'pay to play' game. Therefore, the only choice for a young collector is to acquire emerging artist who are yet to be discovered by rest of the market, or to find mid-career artist that are fairly priced and accessible as they are not considered 'hot' by the art community. I believe the most important element in my approach is the research and the homework I do, through reading, art history books, critics, visiting galleries & museums, graduate shows, biennials. Only then one can develop an eye to spot talent and differentiate a good painter, from a good artist. There are many good painters, but only a few are good artists!
bP: Congratulations on the recently announced Gasworks residency for an early-career Tunisian artist, an incredible act of patronage. After years of collecting and supporting artists, what made you feel that now was the right time to take this step?
SB: I always think of my first experience that got me closer to my people is the COVID art fundraiser for Tunisia. But after October 2023, and after witnessing the cancel culture movement across Europe, my frustration and rage drove me closer again to my roots and my community, and by that, I mean North Africa. My wife, Houda and I, decided that we must be more strategic and have an area of focus. One can't be everywhere! Supporting our community first by making a difference has become quintessential to any support we do. We used to donate to many institutions across the UK but have now decided to become more selective and channel most of our efforts into one, and work on project basis with others.
bP: What does it mean to take an early-career Tunisian artist out of their local context and immerse them in London's art ecosystem? While you're not an artist yourself, you've experienced a similar shift, moving to London years ago. How do you think that kind of transition might shape the resident's work and perspective?
SB: I think if I was an artist based in Tunisia, this would be my first jackpot! I look back at my experience as a student and getting an experience in the UK was a dream come true. For an artist, I think this is giving them a pair of fresh lenses, wings, global audience, and the chance to change their life.
bP: The most forward-thinking collectors today aren't just acquiring art; they're actively shaping the environments where artists can thrive. Do you see collecting and patronage as inseparable now, and how has your own approach evolved in that direction?
SB: They go hand in hand. I have been collecting for nine years now and had the chance to have great mentors and meet great minds that shaped who I am today and my way of thinking and enjoying art. One can't enjoy the fruits without planting and harvesting. It's easy to say I have this and that artist in my collection, but what are you doing for them, how are you contributing to the ecosystem? Buying a young artist means supporting, but one must go the extra mile to make an impact.
bP: Tunisia is a country full of history energy and artistic potential. Any plans for a foundation or residency one day?
SB: My wife Houda and I are working on establishing a foundation, we have picked the name for the time being. It will be called Nafas, which means to breathe in Arabic. We want our foundation to help artists, and our communities breathe and be free, as this is the most important element in our life. The rest must follow, as we currently don't feel we are ready to launch it. I believe its wiser and makes more sense to direct the efforts and funds with established institutions such as Gasworks, Delfina, Chisenhale, Nottingham Contemporary and many others where they do an incredible work, with tangible results and most importantly an impact!
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